The uncertainty regarding future pension contributions for Kentucky’s five major public universities is creating budgeting challenges. Kentucky lawmakers could still be called to Frankfort to enact pension reforms before July, the start of the new fiscal year.

The board of Jefferson County Public Schools has unanimously passed a resolution that asks Kentucky Commissioner of Education Wayne Lewis to withdraw his request for the names of school employees who called in sick in recent weeks. Lewis said he won’t withdraw the request.

The school board held a special meeting Tuesday to discuss the Kentucky Department of Education’s request for the district’s attendance records.

Leaders in Kentucky’s bourbon industry along with state policymakers Wednesday celebrated growth in the distilling business over the last ten years. A new study says bourbon-related businesses provide twice as many jobs and twice as much capital investment, and tax revenue than a decade ago.

For the second time in this General Assembly session Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers addressed the chamber about executive branch ethics legislation. The measure seeks to increase restrictions for those who lobby executive branch officials.

Stivers said officials in the executive branch are often negotiating and signing multi-million dollar contracts. “If you can arrange to have certain language in a request for proposal, you can almost guarantee or you can very well increase your chances of your client getting the contract,” said Stivers.

Local health departments, mental health agencies and domestic violence shelters are asking state lawmakers to shield them from massive pension contributions that they say will bankrupt them or severely limit services.

As of last July, most state agencies pay 83 percent of employee salaries to Kentucky’s pension system. That means on top of paying an employee’s salary, state agencies have to send an additional 83 percent of that salary to pay for state worker retirements.

As the long-awaited demolition of Capitol Plaza Complex begins, motorists will be facing some detours in Frankfort. The changes begin Thursday.

During the first phase of demolition, Clinton Street will be closed between Wilkinson Boulevard and St. Clair Street. It will remained closed for five weeks. In addition to rerouting street traffic, several parking options will also be eliminated temporarily. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working with the contractor to help drivers navigate the necessary street closures and detours.

October is apparently becoming the second month of LGBTQ Pride, at least in our area. Some towns in Central Kentucky are joining in, some for the very first time.

We'll discuss the purpose and goals of these community events with guests: Harold Dean Jessie, of Georgetown; Jesse Ruble of Frankfort and Dr. Patricia Minter, professor at Western Kentucky University.

The new chairwoman of the Kentucky Commission on Women is stepping into a brand new role, different than her position as head of an advanced technology firm.

Danette Wilder is president of SealingLife Technology. She said one goal of the Commission this year will be to influence the lives of women in areas like education, entrepreneurship, health and well-being. Wilder said pay equity remains an issue.

Gov. Matt Bevin is calling upon the Kentucky General Assembly to make “bold, hard, decisions” when it comes to tax reform.

During Wednesday State of the Commonwealth speech, Bevin said tax reform and further steps to reduce the state’s $82 million pension deficit need to be done together in a special session this year. Bevin said some 300 tax loopholes deserve attention.

“We exempt more income in Kentucky than we take in. That’s going to have to change, ” Bevin said.

It’s been nearly a half century since the Frankfort home of Kentucky's government got the kind of attention it’s getting this fall as power washing crews tackle the front of the Capitol Building.

Project Manager Bernie Engelman says this type of thorough cleaning and mortar joint work hasn’t been done for 40 to 50 years.

He says it’s needed to help protect against weather-related damage, “If water were to get into the cracks or into the mortar joints, and start getting in there, it could freeze and thaw and pop parts of the limestone off.”

Several high school students continue to let their voices be heard in Frankfort, but it may not result in the action they seek. A number of sign carrying students rallied Monday in support of legislation to add student representation on school superintendent search committees. Students are hoping for a last minute push to get the bill through the Kentucky general assembly. It’s passage became more questionable after the state senate attached an amendment related to school bathroom regulations and transgender students. Some members of the House have indicated inclusion of that amendment

The All 'A' Classic high school basketball tournament is in Frankfort this week. Games for both boys and girls teams run through the weekend at the downtown convention center. Tourist and Convention Commission Director Joy Jeffries says the city is expected to see almost a $1.5 million economic impact. "As the tournament progresses there's less and less games during the day, so they've got a little more time,” said Jeffries. “Or, they can take a run out and check something out. Jeffries says man of the city’s attractions are in close proximity to the convention center.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has decided to close a minimum security prison and make it a training academy for Kentucky State Police. Beshear says the state no longer needs the Frankfort Career Development Center, which houses 205 low-risk inmates.

The floral clock on the grounds of the Kentucky State Capitol is 50 years old. A golden anniversary celebration at the clock today attracted more than 200 people, including Kentucky Public Radio’s Tony McVeigh.